13 of the best hotels in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland

Located in the Tropical North Queensland tourist city of Port Douglas, Coral Beach Lodge is ideal for travellers seeking to keep costs low. Beds in dorm rooms start from $60 and private rooms start from $157 per night.

• Star rating: 3.5 stars
• Features: Saltwater swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, billiards and dart board.
• Why we love it: This budget-friendly stay is praised for its cleanliness and friendly staff and has enough facilities and recreational activities to amuse all.

As the name suggests, this is a backpacker hostel. But as the star-rating suggests, it's a quality one. Guests love the large and spacious rooms and freebies like Wi-Fi never go unnoticed. Costs start from a humble $35 for a dorm room bed and $52 for a twin room with shared bathroom.

• Star rating: 4 stars
• Features: IN-house restaurant, outdoor pool, coffee bar, free Wi-Fi, laundry, bike rental
• Why we love it: With 4-stars to its name, its a top-notch stay for those looking to keep accommodation costs on the cheap side of things.

Popular with solo backpackers this Port Douglas hostel has a hot reputation for its spotless rooms and its super friendly staff. Dorm beds start from $44 and rooms from $83.

• Star rating: 4 stars
• Features: 24-hour reception, sundeck, luggage storage and Wi-Fi.
• Why we love it: This is a boutique hostel with a measly 10 rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay particularly when you might be sharing the room with strangers. The pool is also a welcome bonus.

This modern hotel is centrally located for easy access to tourist hotspots like The Reef Hotel Casino. All luxe amenities have been accounted for, from an on-site beauty centre to plush slippers and bathrobes in every room.

• Star rating: 5 stars
• Features: Free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant and outdoor pool
• Why we love it: This 5-star hotel is exceptionally spacious with generously sized bathrooms and balconies for you to really make the most of your stay.

A popular option for couples searching for a pamper, this hotel is all quality from its fantastic on-site bar to the private balconies which are attached to each and every room.

• Star rating: 4 stars
• Features: Rooftop terrace, swimming pool, outdoor tennis courts, free shuttle service
• Why we love it: You have a luxe hotel with 5-star views and Holiday Inn Cairns has some spectacular ones of the nearby mountains.

Expect private balconies for every room, attentive 24-hour service, an Instagrammable pool and a lounger with your name on it to soak it all up from when you stay at Peppers.

• Star rating: 5 stars
• Features: Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, free private parking, BBQ area
• Why we love it: The Peppers brand is one of the most opulent in Australia and its Port Douglas outfit is one of the most stunning with a lagoon-like pool and exemplary service.

Stray a block from the Esplanade and you'll uncover this little gem. It's a hostel that keeps you close to the action without having to spend more than With just a 10-minute car ride from Cairns Airport, guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, a private beach and a rooftop terrace. Other amenities include room service, a swimming pool and a games room for families and get-together friends.

• Star rating: 2 stars
• Features: On-site restaurant, outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast
• Why we love it: With 85 rooms to its name, this is one of the largest backpacker hostels in the area and there's a variety of rooms to choose from as well from dorms to double rooms to king suites. So you can still have your privacy without the price tag.

Offering the ultimate in stylish and luxurious living, this hotel is located in the city centre of Cairns and is ideal for couples and families alike with its on-site beauty centre and kids' playground.

• Star rating: 4.5 stars
• Features: Rooftop terrace, Jacuzzi, saltwater swimming pool
• Why we love it: It's all about location at DoubleTree with the sea just a stone's throw away and shopping within walking distance.

With a central location, this hotel offers easy access to the best tourist locations in Cairns - including the famous Esplanade. It's particularly ideal for business travellers with a dedicated centre and meeting rooms available.

• Star rating: 3.5 stars
• Features: Meeting rooms, business centre, swimming pool, gym
• Why we love it: You can keep close to The Esplanade without overspending at this mid-range hotel. Budget rooms with a shared bathroom start from $119.

For getaways with families, North Cover Waterfront Suites is the go-to. Family-friendly activities including supervised child care and highchairs are available. It's also right on the Esplanade so you'll never have to walk far to get to the street's attractions.

• Star rating: 4 stars
• Features: Swimming pool, kids' playground, spa and wellness centre
• Why we love it: These apartment style suites make travelling with the brood easy, featuring kitchenettes, a picnic area and child minding services to take the ease out of travelling with young ones.

If you're looking for a place to stay near Cairns Airport, Lilybank Guest House Cairns offers a comfortable bed and breakfast services. It's a 12-minute drive from the airport.

• Star rating: 4 stars
• Features: Outdoor pool, terrace, garden, free Wi-Fi
• Why we love it: There's a wonderfully homey feel about Lilybank that's made us fall in love wiht it. It's the perfect retreat for couples seeking a quiet one in the beautiful city of Cairns.

Perfect for a chill night or get-together with friends, Machans Beach Bed & Breakfast boasts a comfortable setting, sun deck, and an outdoor pool. It's a 14-minute drive from Cairns Airport.

• Star rating: 4 stars
• Features: Child minding services, laundry facilities and an outdoor pool
• Why we love it: Its location makes it the ideal base for anyone wishing to stay close to the tarmac but still get that "Cairns coastal" feel being moments from that blissful beachfront.

If you're looking for a luxurious yet affordable resort that is near sightseeing attractions such as Cairns Esplanade, Cairns Botanic Gardens, and more - include Lakes Cairns Resort to your bucket list. Rooms start from $445 for two nights and the drive to Cairns Airport is just 5 minutes.

• Star rating: 4.5 stars
• Features: Waterfall, free private parking and Wi-Fi.
• Why we love it: Each room has its own private balcony so you can really luxe it up while staying only a short drive from the airport